Mantiques: Manly collectibles find an audience

What do tools, weapons, vintage calendars of the hubba-hubba variety, hunting trophies, golf clubs, old cap pistols, clocks made from hub caps, fishing equipment and even a set of taxidermy bullfrogs playing poker have in common?

Give up? They are "mantiques," — objects men collect that often defy collectible traditions and challenge the imagination.

Until fairly recently, most Arizona men steered clear of antiques shops and malls, believing them to be warehouses for stuffy, musty, dainty clutter. Just the thought was enough to make a typical man howl.

George Notarpole, on right, owner of History, by George in Mesa, buying some silver coins from his customers. George's store has mostly war memorabilia from native Americans to WWII stuff and lot of antiques and collectibles in downtown Mesa. (Photo: Nick Oza, Nick Oza/The Republic)

George Notarpole, on right, owner of History, by George in Mesa, buying some silver coins from his customers. George's store has mostly war memorabilia from native Americans to WWII stuff and lot of antiques and collectibles in downtown Mesa. (Photo: Nick Oza, Nick Oza/The Republic)

Antiques and collectibles at History, by George in Mesa. George's store has mostly war memorabilia from native Americans to WWII stuff and lot of antiques and collectibles in downtown Mesa. (Photo: Nick Oza, Nick Oza/The Republic)

Photographs and painting from WWII memories and black slavery at History, by George in Mesa. George's store has mostly war memorabilia from native Americans to WWII stuff and lot of antiques and collectibles in downtown Mesa. (Photo: Nick Oza, Nick Oza/The Republic)

Photographs and painting from WWII memories at History, by George in Mesa. George's store has mostly war memorabilia from native Americans to WWII stuff and lot of antiques and collectibles in downtown Mesa. (Photo: Nick Oza, Nick Oza/The Republic)

Antiques and collectibles at History, by George in Mesa. George's store has mostly war memorabilia from native Americans to WWII stuff and lot of antiques and collectibles in downtown Mesa. (Photo: Nick Oza, Nick Oza/The Republic)

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Eric Bradley, in his new book, "Mantiques: A Manly Guide to Cool Things" (Krause Books, $26.99), claims that a mantiques collector isn't fooled by the words "limited edition," "collector's edition" or "collect the whole set," but rather is attracted to unusual things that are a testament to a man's individuality, his sense of design, and his innate talent for acquiring items that inspire his buddies to shout, "Wow, THAT is cool!" A rattlesnake ashtray comes to mind.

How desirable? A restored Wurlitzer 1015 juke box, the classic bubbler, could have been purchased 10 years ago for about $5,000. It can rarely be found in today's market for less than $15,000.

Business is brisk. For example, during a recent Phoenix mall visit, I spotted a stack of Gent, Bachelor and other racy-for-the-era magazines from the 1950s. When I revisited several days later, all had been snapped up.

Bradley's book is fun and informative, but not perfect. The only Arizona "mantiques" store listed in his book was in Glendale but has closed.

Although many manly items are popping up at shops and malls throughout the Valley, here are at least five major vendors who specialize in this field of collecting:

History, by George

George Kotarpole opened "History, By George" on Main Street in Mesa about 20 years ago. A transplant from Yonkers, N.Y., Kotarpole focuses mainly on military memorabilia.

"When I was much younger, I set up a coin table at a collectible show in New York but soon noticed that all the action was around the military vendors," he says.

That experience had a great deal in the formation of his Mesa store, which includes memorabilia reflecting several centuries of political and military history. Rare World War I posters, Civil War swords and various helmets and uniforms are standouts.

Kotarpole points out that it takes at least two decades for a war or campaign to connect with collectors.

"Vietnam-era items have just taken hold, but it is still too early for Desert Storm collectors to surface," he said. Jackets, patches and flags generated by the Vietnam conflict are especially popular. He laments the reproductions that have flooded the marketplace and urges collectors to do their homework.

"I buy from individuals but never accept any of the stories without documentation," he said. Don't expect any "Precious Moments" figurines in his impressive shop.

AZ Man Cave

Lenny Cowler's AZ Man Cave on Cave Creek Road opened three years ago. His inventory features camping equipment, sports items, beer collectibles, signs, tools, and an accumulation of military articles.

"Despite the fact that my store reflects things that men like, I also want women to feel welcome here," he said, adding that it was his wife who thought of his store's name when he was getting ready to open.

One of his more unusual purchases was a 1970s-era baseball scoreboard, which, incidentally, sold almost immediately. This summer he has seen an increased interest in vinyl records, tools and sports equipment.

Mantiques

Phil Walker, originally from the East Coast and Midwest, was exposed to antiques through his parent's hobby and part-time business. With his nephew, Nick Smola, he opened Mantiques at Merchants Square in Chandler two years ago. It has done so well, he just opened a second location in Mesa. Call It New, Call It Antique is the Valley's newest Arizona antiques malls, and perhaps the largest, with an estimated 43,000 square feet of retail space.

"I have always operated my businesses by following the three 'R's: recycle, repurpose and restore," Walker said. He finds it interesting, and, yes, satisfying, that most of the items his customers purchase are for actual use, not display.

His inventory is a nice assortment of tools, beer signs, gadgets and even a few cowboy boots.

Antiques & Artisans

Speaking of cowboy boots, one of the most impressive collections of used boots fills a room at Antiques & Artisans Emporium in Wickenburg. According to owner Beth Gallant, used boots have become an important part of her business, and nothing attracts men quite like boots — especially ones made from exotic skins.

"A pair of classic boots can be purchased for a fraction of their original cost, and that is one of the main draws," she said. Her boots are consigned by Pete Wilson, a Canadian picker who travels extensively to find exceptional boots for his clients.

The shelves include work boots and the exotic, such as ones handcrafted from ostrich, buffalo, python and alligator skins. Here, a pair of Nocona Teju lizard-skin boots that retailed new for about $350 have a $65 price tag. All boots have been polished, reconditioned and some even refitted with new heels and soles.

As boots become more and more expensive, this shop, which also includes ranch and cowboy collectibles, has become a popular destination.

Larry Cox is a former antiques dealer and longtime antiques and collectibles columnist. To ask about items, send a letter to P.O. Box 47308, Phoenix, AZ 85068, or antiqueanswers@aol.com. Read previous columns at home.azcentral.com.